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2026 April Autism Awareness Month Events

March 20, 2026

SENSORY FRIENDLY DAYS

Children’s Museum Houston and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center celebrate Autism Awareness Month with sensory friendly adventures

Monday, April 13 at Children’s Museum Houston

Monday, April 20 at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

 

HOUSTON (March 20,2026) – This April, calm is the new cool at Children’s Museum Houston and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, where sensory-friendly fun is in full bloom! In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, families are invited to experience two thoughtfully designed Sensory Friendly Days where the lights are softer, the sounds are gentler, and the welcome is louder than ever.

 

These special events are created for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing differences, and a variety of learning needs, along with their families. During Sensory Friendly Days, the Museum and Discovery Center transform into calm, supportive spaces that make exploration feel just right. With reduced crowds, dimmed lighting, minimal sound, extra visual signage, anddesignated quiet rooms, families can enjoy every moment at their own pace.

 

And to make the experience even smoother, guests can check out KultureCity Sensory Bags, complete with noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, visual cue cards, and more!

 

SENSORY FRIENDLY DAY AT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOUSTON

SPRING INTO ACTION WITH THE EASTER BUNNY AND THERAPY PETS!

Monday, April 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | $9.95 General admission

Made possible through gifts from The Stanford and Joan Alexander Family

 

Hop into a springtime celebration where every bunny belongs! This Sensory Friendly Day brings together Easter-themed joy and calming experiences for a day that’s equally peaceful and playful.  Egg-stra special experiences include:

 

Easter Bunny Meet-and-Greet: Snap a photo witheveryone’s favorite fluffy friend.

When: All day in Kids’ Hall Alcove.

Easter Bunny Story Time sponsored by Phillips 66: A hoppy tale told by a very special guest reader.

When: At 11 a.m. and noon in Brown Auditorium.

Music and Emotions Workshops: Explore feelings throughsound, movement, and calming sensory play.

When: At 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Playscape Courtyard.

Craft and Language Workshops: Create,communicate, and connect in new ways.

When: At 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in Alexander Design Studio.

Faithful Paws Therapy Pets: Because sometimes thebest therapy has four paws and a wagging tail.

When: From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. in Parent Resource Library.

Sensory Room: A quiet retreat to rest and recharge.  

When: All day in Tree Top Room.

Egg Decorating: Spin, color, and create without the mess, just the magic.

When:  All day in Chevron Maker Annex.

 

Families can also connect with an incredible lineup of community resource partners, including literacy experts, therapy providers, developmental specialists, and researchers from the University of Houston Cognitive Development Lab; all dedicated to helping children thrive!

 

SENSORY FRIENDLY DAY AT FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

Monday, April 20, 2026, From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | $8 General Admission

Sponsored by FLUOR

 

One week later, the Discovery Center continues the celebration with a spring-loaded sensory-friendly adventure designed for comfort, confidence, and curiosity. Families can explore exhibits in a peaceful environment where every detail (from lighting to layout) is curated with care. With extra signage and supportive spaces, children can navigate with confidence while discovering a world built just for them.

 

UPCOMING SENSORY FRIENDLY DAYS:

 

  • Monday, Oct. 12,2026 at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center
  • Monday, Oct. 19,2026 at Children’s Museum Houston
  • Monday, Dec. 14,2026 at Children’s Museum Houston
  • Monday, Feb. 15,2027 at Children’s Museum Houston
  • Monday, April 5,2027 at Children’s Museum Houston
  • Monday, April 19,2027 at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

 

Pre-registration required. Please contact Lydia Dungus or call (713) 535-7238 to make a reservation.

 

Activities, events and times subject to change.